SAN ANTONIO, ZAMBALES –– Five Aetas suspected to be members of the New People’s Army (NPA) operating in Zambales were arrested, while four minors were rescued during a recent reported armed encounter in San Marcelino town.
Brig. Gen. Andrew Costelo, commander of the 703rd Infantry Brigade, on Monday said their group rescued the minors with the help of the Army’s 3rd Mechanized Infantry Battalion and their police counterparts.
The clash took place at Sitio Lomibao in Barangay Buhawen between Aug. 21 and 22, killing one government soldier.
After being rescued, the minors were given a medical check-up by Dr. Nida Pabunal, San Marcelino health officer, and were later turned over to the San Marcelino Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office.
The alleged rebels were placed under the custody of Zambales police.